Hydroplane-boat.



W. H. PAUBER.

HYDROPLANE BOAT.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 25, 1912.

Patented Dec. 15, 1914.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

' Lmmo.

W. H. PAUBER.

HYDROPLANB BOAT.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 25.1912.

Patented Dec. 15,1914.

s SHEETS-SHEBT 2.

v W. H. FAUBER.

HYDROPLANE BOAT. APPLICATION FILED Nov. 25, 1912.

Patented Dec. 15, 1914.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Qmvmrwww W. H. PAUBBR.

HYDROPLANE BOAT.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 25, 1912.

Patented Dec. 15, 1914.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

W. H. PAUBER. HYDROPLANE BOAT.

APPLIUATION FILED Nov. 25, 1912.

Patented 1160.15, 1914.

6 SHEETS-BEEBT 5 l Zwei@ @y 5 W. H. PAUBER.

HYDROPLANE BOAT.

APPLIGATION HLED'Nov. 25, 1912.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

Patented D60. 15, 1914.

To all whom t may concern.'

- UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE.

` .WILLIAM H. FAUBEB., oF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Be it known that I, WILLIAM FAUBER,

acitizen of the United States, and a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and- State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Hydroplane-Boats;

and I do hereby declare that the following is' a full, clear, and exact description-thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part specification.

'I his invention relates to improvementsin that class of water craft, known as hydroplane boats, which arerequipped with in` clined surfaces or planes designedto act on of this the Water when the boat is traveling at high Vspeed in a manner tof lift the boat and lessen the submerged'area of the hullthereof, with consequent reduction of wavemakingand skin resistance and the attainment of high speed in proportion to the propelling power employed.

My present invention embodies various iinprovements in hydroplane boats of thegeneral character above stated, and also to certain improvements .in the class or type .of

" such hydroplane boats shown in `my prior .Letters Patent No. 971,029, dated September 27, 1910, and No. .1,024,682, dated Aprilia, 191g. l l

Among the objects of the invention are to provide an improved construction in 'the form of the hydroplane surfacesor planes The inventionfconsists in the matters hereiiiafter set'forthjand pointed out-iii the appended claims.

My invention may be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings,l in whichi Figure 1 is a View in side elevation .of `the hull vof a hydroplane boat embodying Sonie of the principal features of my invention Fig.. 2 is a view, as seen from beneath,

vspecifmmmi a: Letters Patnt.

Patented Dec. 15, 1914.

Application*ilevd November 25, 1912. Serial No. 733,240.-

ofthe hull of the boat shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a view in side elevation of the boat shown in Figs. 1' and 2, with parts brokenv away to show /parts of the lhull ofthe boat .in longitudinal section,y and the propelling means' in side elevation; Fig. 4 is a view in elevation of the stern of theboat shown in Figs. 1 to 3; Fig. 5 is across, section of 'the same', taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is. a view in cross section taken online 6-6 of Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a viewv in cross section taken on line 7*- 7 of Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is a View in side elevation of. the hull of a boat, shown with a somewhat dierent form ofconstruc# tion therein, with parts in section; Fig. 9

`is a view', as seen from beneath, of the hull' of the boat' shown in Fig.f8; Fig. 10 is a view in elevation of the stern of the boat shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 11 is a cross section, taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 8; Fig. 12 is a view showing ainodied form of the stern of the boat -shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 13 is a view in cross section corresponding to Fig. 11, showing a modified' cross-sectional form' of thehyd'ro'plane surfaces illustrated in Fig. 8;'

Fig. 13u is a diagrammatic view, showing a modified Jform of lthe 'hydroplane`surfaces;

Fig. 135 is ai detail, longitudinal section,

showing a mod iedform of the means for l supplying' air under pressure to the longi' tudinal channelshown in Figs. 8 to 13 ;,Fig. 13 is a cross section, taken on line 13e- 13 of Fig. 13b; Fig. 14 is an enlarged crossfsectional view showing details of construction in the hull of a boat made as shown in Figs. 8 to 11; Fig. 15-is a detail section, taken on line 15-.15 of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is an enlarged section showing details of construction in the hull ot a boat `made as shown in f Figs. 1 to 7; Fig. 17 is adetail, longitudinal section taken on line 17 17 of Fig. 16 Fig. 18 is av detail, longitudinal section correspond- .ing with Fig. 17, showing a modication of the details of construction in the parts form# ing the hydroplanes; Fig. 19 is a view partly in elevation and partly in longitudinal section of a boat corresponding in form with that shown in Figs. 1 to 7 equipped with two Propellers located at a point between vthe bow and the 'stern of the boat; Fig. 19a

is 'a horizontal, detail section of the side wall of the hull, taken online v19a-19a of Fig. 19; Fig. 19b is a detail, vertical section, taken on line 19"--19b of Fig. 19a; Fig. 20 is a view in cross section taken upon line 20-20 of Fig. 19; Fig. 21 is a view in cross section taken upon line 21-21 of Fig. 19; Fig. 22 is a plan view of the stern portion of a boat, corresponding withthat shown in Figs. 1 to 7, but equipped with two propellers located at the rear of the hull of the boat; Fig. 23 is a view in side elevation of the stern portion of the boat shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 24 is a view in elevation of the stern of ythe boat shown in Figs. 22 and 23.

Referring rst to the form of boat shown in Figs. 1 to 7, the hull 5 of the boat, as illustrated, yis generally similar in shape to the hull of boats as at present constructed, having a long, pointed bow with its greatest width at a point about midway of its length and from such point tapering forward to the bow and rearward to the stern.

' 20 extending transversely of the hu-ll.

The bottom of the hull 5 is provided, at

each side of the central or keel line thereof,

with a 'plurality of hydroplane members 6, 7, s, 9, 1o, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, each of which is downwardly inclined from lfront to rear and is also, inclined 1 side margin of said hydroplane members extend to the lower margins of the side walls 21, 21 of the hull, which latter terminate at their lower edges at bilge lines 22, 22 which extend from the bow to the stern and each of which, at the forward portion of the boat, is carried upward in a gradual curve to a point near the top of the hull at the bow. Each of the hydroplane members 6 to 19 is not only inclined in a lateral direction from the bilge line 22 downwardly to the keel line, but is also made of transversely concaved form, as set forth in'said prior Patent No. 971,029. The forward portion of the hull., forward of the front hydroplane member 6 and below the upwardly curved bilge linev22T 22, is made, generally, of V-shape and of concaved form; the curved surface thereof adjacent to the forward hydroplane member 6, as shown in Fig. 7, merging` gradually into the vertical lateral surfaces at the bow or cut-water of the hull. The

construction of the bottom of the boat, made 'according to the present invention, differs the upper forward margins of said hydroplane surfaces being elevated above the level of the lower edges of the side walls of the hull, indicated by said bilge lines 22, 22. In the particular construction of this feature shown'in the sectional views, Figs. 5 and 6, the transversely inclined hydroplane surfaces, are at their forward or elevated margins, curved or deflected downwardly to meet the `sidewalls of the hull at the bilge lines 22, 22, thereby forming short downwardly and outwardly inclined parts or sections 23, 23 which, by reason of the fact that their outer margins conform to the bilge lines and their inner 'margins merge into the inclined hydroplane surfaces, are of warped or twisted form. It is not, however, in the carrying out of this feature of `my invention, necessary that the outer, lateral, marginal parts of the several hydroplane surfaces should be so outwardly and downwardly inclined, for the reason that the hull may have adjacent to and-inside of the bilge line 22, a substantially vertical or abrupt shoulder, as indicated by 111a in the modified construction shown in Fig. 111. In the construction shown in said Figs. 1 to 7-, provision is made for delivery of air or gases under pressure beneath the several hydroplane members at points adjacent to the keel line, as follows: As clearly seen in Figs. 3, 5 and 6, a longitudinal passage or air duct 25 is formed in the interior of the hull along and adjacent to the keel line by means'of a transversely extending horizontal wall 26, joined at its side margins to the bottom wall of the hull at either side of the keel line. The portion of the bottom wall constituting each hydroplane member is provided with a plurality of openings or apertures 27, 27 through which`r air may pass fromthe air duct 25 to the spaces at the rear of the steps or shoulders; air being delivered under pressure to said air duct 25 so that it is forced through said openings under apressure sufficient to overcome the Llpward pressure of the water beneath the oat.

Air or gases under pressure may be delivered to the air ductv or passage 25 by any convenient form of air forcing or pumping device, but, as shown in the accompanying drawings (Figs. 3 and 5), the propelling means for the boat include an internal combust1on engine 30, having a closed crank case for each cylinder, and so arranged that the pistons of the several cylinders, which open into said crank case, operate as pumps to force air into'said passage. in sectional view in Fig. 5, 30a is one of the Cylinders of the engine and 30b the crank case associated with such cylinder. Said crank case is provided with an inwardly opening check valve 3l*L and with an air outlet paage 32 provided with an out- 1 operates to drivea propeller shaft 34 hav! wardly opening check valve 32". The several outlet passages 32 are connected with a into the compartment of the crank case 30h,

associated with such cylinder, andy in the outward or downward movement of said piston` the air is forced from the crank case, under pressure, to the said air duct. 25.

As shown in Figs. l to 4, the engine 30 ing on its rear end a propeller 35, which is located in a downwardly opening chamber or well'iiear the stern of the boat, and which has its hub located above the level of the water in which the propeller blades act.

The form of boat shown in Figs. 8 to l1 of the accompanying drawings, embodies the same general features of construction in the hydroplane members hereinbefore described. In this instance, however, the hull of the boat embodies certain s ecial features of construction as follows:- he side walls 40 of the hull terminate at their lower marginssi in continuous bilge lines 41, {as hereinbefore described. At a point about midway of the length of the hull, its bottom surface,between the bilge lines, is provided with transverse rearwardly facing shoulders 42. Forward of said shoulders the bottom of the hull is provided with hydroplane surfaces 43, 43, which have a lateral, downward inclination from said bilge line tothe keel line and are transversely concave, as clearly seen in Fig. 11. J

Said concave hydroplane surfaces 43 are gradually increased in lateral inclination toward the bow of the boat and `finally merge into the lateral, upright surfaces of the stem or cut-water. Rearward of the transverse shoulders 42 the bottom of the 'hull is pro' vided at each side of the central keel line with a plurality of hydroplane surfaces 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49, which are constructed in the same manner as thehydroplane surfaces shown in Figs. 1 to 7. In this instance, however, the inner lateral margins of said hydroplane surfaces are separated from each other by considerable space, and the hull at the keel line is provided with a longitudinal, downwardly facing concave recess or channel 50, which may conveniently be formed by giving a `concave shape to the central part 50t of the bottom wall of the hull, as clearly seenfin Figs. 10 and 11. A pipe 51 to which air is delivered under pressure from any suitable air-forcing device is connected with the forward end of said channel 50 and is adapted to deliver air under pressure thereto. The air thus delivered to said channel 50 passes from thesides of the same to the inner ends of the lateral channels formed by the hydroplane surfaces 44 to 49 and is held or confined therein in the same manner as before described in connection with Figs. 1 to 7. It follows from the above that the saidchannel 50 operates generally in the same/manner as the longitudinal air duct 25, shown in Figs. 1 to 7, in distribut-v ing air. to the several hydroplane surfaces.

. Figs. 12 and 13 show a construction generally like that illustrated in Figs. 8 to 11, the difference beingk that, in this insta-nce, the' several laterally inclined hydroplane surfaces, one of which is indicated by 52 in Fig. 13, are made of convex instead of concave form. v

The features ofconstruction in the hull of the boat hereinbefore described and shown in Figs. 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 13, as well'as in .Fig 14, wherein the formation of the hull is suchlas to afford continuous bilge lines, co-

inciding with or extending belowthe Alower or rear transverse margins of the hydroplane sections and which are normally `below the water line, have the advantage of enf abling the hull of the vboat to be more strongly and easily constructed because the hull at or along such bilge lines may consist of continuous longitudinal members, instead of being of broken or zigzag form, as in the case of the construction illustrated inv my Vsaid prior patents, wherein the hydroplane surfaces extend to and intersect the outer surfaces of the side walls of the hull.

When the boat is provided with means for delivering air or gases under pressure behind the several steps or shoulders as hereinbefore described, the features of construction shown in said Figs. 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 14, has special advantages by reason of the fact that the longitudinally continuous pon tions of the hull at the bilge lines, serve to prevent the escape, at the outer lateral margins of the hydroplane surfaces, of the air or gases so delivered under pressure. In this respect the construction illustrated differs .from that of my said prior patent wherein,

surface of the water. Moreover, when the form ation of the hull is such as to constitute continuous bilge lines coinciding with or extending below the lower or rearmost trans verse edges of the hydroplane sections, at the outer side margins of the latter, in connection with hydroplane surfaces which are inclined from the bilge lines downwardly and inwardly to the center or keel line of the hull, so as to make the bottom of the hull substantially of V-shape inV cross section, and further important advantage is gained that in any lateral or rolling movement of the boat, to an'extent suicient to lift one side 11b margins of the hydroplane surfaces and the a of the hull at the bilge line above the surface of the water, the air supplied under pressure at the rear of the steps will escape therefrom only at the side of the hull which is so lifted, while any escape of such air at the opposite or depressed side of the hull will be prevented; the escape of air from beneath the hydroplane surfaces at the depressed side of the boat at such time being prevented by the presence of the continuous keel line at the inner margin, and thecontinuous bilge line at the outer margins, 'of the hydroplane members.

The air delivered from the air forcing means through the air-duct 25 and openings 27 to the inner margins of the hydroplane members, as shown in Figs. 1 to 6, or so delivered through the channel 50 of Figs. 8 to 13, to the inner margins of such hydro plane members, tends to move or flow in an outward or lateral direction, along the spaces at the rear of the steps'or shoulders, and is 'therein held or conned by reason of the fact that the hull at the bilge line is constantly immersed, and the air is thereby prevented from escaping at the said bilge line.

It is to be understood that, by reason of the rapid forward movement of the boat when under speed, the surface of the water beneath the several hydroplane. surfaces is formed or molded to correspond with the cross-sectional shape of the hull, and that, in the case of any two adjacent hydroplane surfaces, by reason of such rapid movement, the water over which the rear edge of the forward hydroplane surface has passed, is not given time to rise into and ill the entire space beneath the rear hydroplane surface, but strikes such rear hydroplane surface at some distance rearwardly from the shoulder at the forward margin of the same. When the boat is at speed, therefore, open spaces are left or formed behind the transverse shoulders, even when no air is forced beneath the hydroplane surfaces. When air is delivered under pressure beneath the hydroplane members, and is there confined, as described, the pressure of such air on the surface of the water retards the rising of the same, so that in the rapid forward movement of the hydroplane members, said open spaces are largely increased in area and the rear marginal parts only of the hydroplane members come in contact with the water. It'

follows that air delivered under pressure to the lower surface of the hydroplane members acts to exert a downward pressure on the water over which the hydroplanes are passing, and, if the pressure of the air so introduced be not less than the upward pressure of the water on the air so delivered, the boat will be partially supported by the downward pressure, on the surface of the Water, of the bodies of air introduced and confined beneath the hydroplane members,

so that the water will come in frictional contact with the hydroplane members only in a small portion of their area, adjacent to their rear edges. Manifestly, when 'air is thus introduced and confined beneath the hydro-" plane surfaces, the frictional resistance of the forward movement of the boat, due to the contact of the hydroplanes with the water, will be reduced to an extent corresponding with'the area of the surface of the water which is subject to air pressure, asv

compared with the area of the hydroplane surface ,which is in contact with the water.

F roml the above, it follows that the construction described, by which air delivered under pressure beneath the hydroplane surfaces is there held or conned, frictional resistance is largely lessenedl and the speed of the boat, with a given propulsive power, is correspondingly augmented. vIt is toy be further observed, in thisconnection, that in the rapid forward movement of the boat.

air spaces will be formed at the rear of each transverse shoulder and' beneath the forward part of the hydroplane surface at the rear of such shoulder, regardless of the degree of transverse inclination of the. hydroplane surface, and that the effect of the air pressure beneath the hydroplane members,

in lessening the area of vfrictional contactv between the hydroplane members and the water, will therefore be obtained to substantially the same extent at the portions of the hydroplane members, that have a considerable lateral inclination, as at the parts thereof having little or no lateral inclination. 'F rom the above it follows that the desired result of preventing the escape of air at the outer lateral margins of the hydroplane members, or at the bilge lines,

will be secured if the hydroplane members are arranged to terminate at their outer, lateral edges below continuous, longitudinal surfaces of the sides of the hull that are v constantly immersed, or are below the level of the water when the boat is at speed, so

that no openings for the escape of air will be present at such outer margins of the hydroplane members. This will be better understood by the diagrammatic view, Fig.l 1,3, wherein the lines a, a indicate the crosssectional forms of the higher and lower, or front and rear, margins of one of the hydroplane members, b indicates a longitudinally diagram, the outer ends of the transversely 3o 4.what different construction 'in vmeans for admitting air to the forward end of the air extending air space formed beneath each hydroplane member, will be closed, so as to prevent the escape of air introduced beneath the hydroplane members, in the same manner as in the case of the forms of construction shown in Figs. l1, 5, 8, 11, 13 and 14, it being obvious that, by reason of the rapid forward movement of the boat, air spaces will be formed behind each step or shoulder; that the compressed air beneath the hydroplane members will be prevented from escaping at such outer margins by reason of the. pressure of the water there exerted, and that air delivered under pressure to such spaces will act to lessen the area of the hydroplane members in contact with the surface of the water. The, downward extension of the side l surfaces of the hull below the level of the highest part of the hydroplane members, shown in Figs.

5 and 6 and also in Fig. 14, as a means of preventing the escape of air from beneath the said hydroplane members, is preferred,

because by this construction, liability of v thereby forming a longitudinal air duct 50 such escape, when there is a lateral rolling movement ofthe boat, or in rough water, is lessened, but the general. result desired will be obtained to a practicable degree b the construction of Fig. 13a.

In Figs. 13b and 13c are shown a somechannel 50, shown in Figs. 8 to 13, wherein the part a of the bott-om of the hull, which is transversely curved to form said channel 50, is carried forward of the shoulder 42 in the form of a partition, as indicated at 50",

that is closed at its forward end by an end wall 50d. In this instance, the air duct 50c opens rearwardly through the Shoulder 42 by means of an opening correspondingwith the' cross-sectional form of said air duct 50C. An air supply pipe 51*al is shown as connected with the forward end ofthe air 'duct 50,the same being adapted, to receive air under pressure from any suitable form of air forcing device.

The features of construction `shown in Figs. 8 to 13 and in Fig. 13b, whereby a -longitudinal channel 50, supplied with air'under pressure at its forward end, is employed for the purpose of delivering vair behind the steps or shoulders at opposite sides of said channel, has an important advantage, vas compared with the construction shown in Fig. 3, wherein air is delivered to the several vhydroplane members by an interior, longitudinal air duct, fo'. reasons as follows: When the hydroplane members are inclined downwardly and inwardly and terminate at a ,central longitudinalprojecton or keel at the center line" of the hull, the'hull of the boat along said keel line will be in frictional contact with the Water substantially sure of air introduced into the forward end of said channel will act to prevent the water 'from rising into said channel through the principal part of its length and the top wall of the channel will be free from frictional contact with the water, except at the rear part of the same. The total surface of the bottom of the boat in frictional contact with the water will, therefore, be greatly reduced in area, as compared with the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 7, with corresponding decrease in the frictional resistance to be. overcome by the engine or motor in propelling the boat, andcorresponding advantage in point of speed gained in proportion to the propelling power employed. Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate details of construction that may be used tol advantage in the formation .of the hydroplane surfaces ona boat made as shown in Figs. 8 to 11. `In this instance the side walls of the hull are formed by means of vertically extending ribs 55 to which is attached the longitudinally extending outer skin 56 of thin wood or like material. The bottom wall of the hull is provided with main transverse, horizontal ribs or frame members 57, to which is secured a. continuous longitudinal skin. or laver 58 of wood or other thin material. Between said ribs 57, lintermediate ribs 579 may beempl'oyedto afford additional sup- 100 port to thebottom. A continuous longitudinal bilge member 59 extends along the bilge line of the boat andis attached to the ribs 55 and 57 the layers 56 and 58 having their margins attached to the top and bottom of 105.

said strip. A separate strip 59a is attached to the\lower faceof the member 59; the

.lower edge of said strip forming` the bilge line 41. The separate hydroplane surfaces are, `in this instance, formed by meansof i:l

separately applied, transversely extending tapered pieces or sections 60 of wood or like material which are made of such thickness at their rear margins as is required to give the desired downward and rearward incli- U5..

nation to the hydroplane surfaces. Atr their lateral outer margins said strips 60 meet or abut against the inwardly facing shoulder 41 formed on the longitudinal strip 59a.

Secured to the lower surface of the bottom 12:

layer or skin 58, 58 and betweenthe same and the several -tapered hydroplane sections 60, is a layer 581L of cloth or waterproof fabric which serves, when the continuous layer or skin 58 is of thin material, to strengthen 125 the same and avoid liability of leakage.

The details of construction shown in said Figs. 14 and 15 may be applied either to the form of hull shown in Figs. 1 to 7 or to that shown in Figs. 8 to 13, but the sec- 130 tional view, lFig. 14, shows a form of the bottom wall of the hull, corresponding with Fig. 11, and which embraces longitudinal frame members 61, which are secured to the transverse members 57 and serve to support the bottom skin or layer 58 along the angles between the laterally disposed hydroplanes and the concave portion of the bottom wall forming the channel 50. The said tapered strips 60 are shown as made narrower, in a direction lengthwise of the hull than the distance between the rearwardly facing shoulders or steps. As a result of this construction, the hydroplane surfaces are spaced from each other longitudinally of the boat, and the bottom of the hull has surfaces which are not inclined, intermediate of the forward edge of each hydroplane member and the rearwardly facing shoulder in advance of the same. This arrangement of the hydroplane surfaces, relatively to the steps or shoulders, may be used when the bottom of the hull is made otherwise than as shown in said Figs.- 14 and 15, and has the advantage of enabling the bottom of the hull and the hydroplane surfaces thereon to be more cheaply and easily constructedwithout lessening the efficiency of the hydroplane surfaces, especially when bodies of air are maintained under pressure beneath the hull at the rear of each of the rearwardly facing shoulders, as hereinbefore described. This will be understood by consideration of the fact that by reason of the air spaces existing at the rear of each shoulder in the forward movement of the boat, and the fact that the area of such air Spaces is materially increased by the introduction of air under pressure to such spaces, the water will come in contact with the hydroplane surfaces near the rear margins only of the saine, and it is only necessary that the said hydroplane surfaces be of such dimension lengthwise of the boat as to insure that the water rising .behind each of theshoulders will come in contact with the hydroplane surfaces at points rearward of their forward margins. In other words, the presence of at or non-inclined surfaces on the hull at the rear of each shoulder will have no effect on the hydroplaning action, because the air spaces maintained beneath such non-inclined surfaces prevent the contact of the latter with the water.

In Figs. 16 and 17 are shown details of construction that may be desirably employed in the hull of a boat in which the hydroplane members are made of sheet metal. In this'instance the outer skin 62 of the side of the hull is secured to upright side ribs 63,

this case consists of a piece of sheet metal 66 extending laterally from the keel line to the bilge member and which, as shown in Fig. 16, is curved to give the desired concave cross-sectional form to the hydroplane member` and at its outer end -is inclined downwardly and secured to the lower margin of the said bilge member 65. The forward and rear margins of adjacent sheet metal hydroplane members 66, 66, are arranged in overlapping relation beneath the transverse frame member 64, and interposed therebetween are transverse wooden strips 67, the rear vertical margins of which form the shoulders between the hydroplane sui'- faces. As shown, the sheet metal hydroplane members 66 are additionally stiffened verse ribs-70, 70 are provided with rear wardly bent, horizontal flanges 70a, 70a at their lower margins. The plate 71, forming each hydroplane surface, is in this instance secured at its forward margin to the top of the flange ,70a there located and at its rear margin` to the bottom of the like flange 70". In this instance, in order lto give sufficient depth to the shoulders between the hydroplane members, each plate 7l is bent or deflected downwardly at its forward margin, as indicated at 71a. As shown in said Fig. 18, an intermediate horizontal rib 72, of metal, flanged at its lower edge, is located between each pair of main ribs 70,'70.

The propeller 35, as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, is located in a chamber-or well 74, formed in the hull at a distance forwardly from 4the stern of the boat, and opening downwardly through an opening in the bottom of the hull. The axis of rotation of the propeller is located above the level o-f the bottom of the hull, so that only the ends of the propeller blades project from the bottom opening of the well 74, and act in the water beneath the said opening. As shown, each chamber or well is formed by means of parallel transverse walls 7 5, 76, which are connected at their lower margins with the bottom wall `of the hull at the rear of the rearmost hydroplane member 19, together with laterally curved walls 77, 77 generally concentric with the propeller shaft, which are likewise jointed at their lowermargins to the Ibottom wall of the hull. The chamber formed by said walls is provided with an opening at its top, through which access may be had to the propeller. Said opening is closed by avremovable cover 78, which has air tight connection with the surrounding wall of. the chamber, in order to prevent the escape of air from said chamber. At the I,

rear of the bottom opening of the chamber described, the bottom of the hull is provided with downwardly facing surfaces or planes 79, 79, which correspond generally in crosssectional form with the rearmost hydroplane members 19, and are preferably inclined downwardly and rearwardly and arranged with their forward margins in longitudinal alinement with, but their rear margins somewhat below, the level of the rear edges of said hydroplane members 19, 19.` Atthe' sides of the propeller chamber 74, the bot* tom of the hull is made continuous with the surfaces of planes 19 and 7 6, as clearly seen in'Fig. 2. The location of the propeller chamber 74 being at a distance forward from the stern of the boat and with its side margins inside ofthe side margins of the bottom of the hull, downwardly facing surfaces are. formed on thevbottom of the hull at the rear and sides of the opening` of the well 74, through which the propeller blades downwardly project.- Said downwardly facing surfaces serve to maintain a downward pressure on the surface of the water, whichl is displaced and molded to the form of the hull by the action of the hydroplane members in the forward movement lof the hulll of the boat, so that the water which is acted upon by the propeller blades is' prevented from rising or being thrown upwardly at the' sides or rear of the propeller. By the downward pressure of the hull of the boat on the surface of the water, at the sides and rear of the propeller, substantially the same conditions are maintained, as would be the case if thepropeller were located entirely below the surface of the water, it beingmanifest that the propeller blades operate constantly in a substantially solid or undisturbed body of water, which is kept in that condition by the downward pressure on the same of the downwardly facing surfaces of the boat provided for-that purpose.

In connection with the propeller, and well or chamb i', arranged as described, I provide for .fdelivering air under pressureto said well or chamber, in order to maintain a downward pressure on the surface of the water in' the space at the bottom of thel said chamber, and thus prevent the water from so delivering air under pressure to said propeller chamber,A from the air duct 26, by

ymea-ns of the hole or' holes 80, formed in the partition 75, to which the said channel 25 extends. By the provision of means for maintaining air pressure in the propeller well or chamber, in connection with theprovision of downwardly facing surfaces on the hull of the boat at the sides vand rear of said air chamber, the surfaceof the water beneath said chamber is maintained in the form to which it is shaped or molded by the ing surfaces of the boat at the sides and rear of the propeller chamber, and kalso subject to the pressure lof air throughout the horizontal area of the propeller chamber, is maintainedin a solid colciditioh` land thereby adapted to eii'ectively resist the rearward thrust of the propeller blades, so that, in aboat 'made in accordance with this feature of my invention, loss of'powerv is avoided, such as would result if thewater were" permitted to rise freely at the sides of, and behind, thepropeller.

In Figs. 19 to 21 `isshown a construction in a propeller well or chamber, adapted -for use in a larger boat or ship equipped `with two propellei's, In thisA instance, the propellers are shown as arranged side by side at a point near the middlev of the length of the boat, and each of the propellers, indicated by 81, is located in a'downwardly. opening well or chamber formed by means of transverse forward and rear walls 82, 83, and acurved wall 84 concentric with the propeller shaft.. Forward of each propeller chamber, the hull of the boat is, in this instance, provided with a chamber 85 constituting an airwith a partof the bottom wall of the hull i to which said walls 86 and 87 are joined at.

their lower edges. In the wall 82 between the propeller chamber and the air chamber 85 is formed an opening 88 provided with -U a removable air-tight closure or cover 89 and in the forward wall V86 of said air chamber is provided an opening 90 provided with a like removable cover 91. Two air pipes 92, 92, supplied with air under pressure from a suitable pump or blower (not shown), are arranged to deliver air to the two longitudinal air ducts 93, 93, by which airA is supplied beneath the hydroplane surfaces of` the boat, as hereinbefore described. In this-instance, two parallel, longitudinal air ducts 93, 93, are formed by a horizontal wall 93a and a central vertical wall 93". Branch supply pipes 92a are arranged to supply air from the pipes 92 to the air locks 85, and branch pipes 92b are arranged to supply air from said pipes 92 to the top of each pro peller chamber. The pipes 92a are provided with valves 92?. The construction described, embracing an air chamber 85 forming an air lock, is adapted to permit access to the interior of each propeller chamber and the propeller therein located, without removing the boat from the water, and even when the boat is under speed. Normally the valves rear of said shoulders, and the water will- 92 will be closed and there will be no pressure in the air locks 85, so that the latter,`

may be entered by the operator through the openings 90 therein. When, however, it is desired to' gain access to one of the propeller chambers, the operator enters the air look and closes the opening 90 by the cover 91. The valve 92a is then opened to admit the air under pressure to said air lock. The cover 89 may then be removed and'bothithe propeller chamber and air chamber being under the same air pressure, access may be had through the opening 88 to the propeller chamber. As shown in said Figs. 19 to 21, and in Figs. 19a and 19", a construction is provided in the sides 'of the hull, especially adapted for use on large boats, which have a large area of the hull immersed, even at high speeds, as follows: The side walls of the hull are provided', below the water line and between the said water line and the bilge line, with a series of rearwardly facing shoulders 94, and between said shoulders 94", which are inclined (Fig. 19a) outwardly and rearwardly from the inner margin of each shoulder to the outer margin of the one at the rear. of the same. Said shoulders, with the inclined faces connecting them, serve in -the rapid forward movement` oflthe boat, to lessen the area of contact between the water and the sides of the hull and to thereby lessen the frictional resistance to the forward movement of the boat. This result` arises from the fact that, when the boat is at speed, air spaces will be left at the comev in contact with the rear portion only of each of said surfaces. When air is constantly supplied, under pressure, beneath the bottom of the boat, as hereinbefore described, the surplus air will escape in part, or to some extent, at the bilge line, and the air thus escaping will rise through the spaces or channels behindthe shoulders 94, and by increasing the air pressure in said spaces, will tend to decrease the area of each surface in contact with'the water. The surfaces 94:"1L are shown as provided with horizontally disposed, outwardly extending ribs 94", which act to prevent the upward escape of air from the spaces below said ribs, if the upper ends of the shoulders are carried above the surface ofthe water by the rolling of the boat.

Important advantages are gained by the use of the horizontal, longitudinally extending ribs 94h, arranged intermediate the upper and lower ends of the shoulders 94, which will be understood from the following: The air discharged from the outer margins of the hydroplane -surfaces and rising at the sides of the hull, will be con'- lfined in the spaces at the rear 'of the shoulders 94, 94 by reason of the fact that such spaces are closed at their upper ends by conwhen said longitudinal ribs 94S- are employed, the air in spaces above said ribs only would escape under the circumstances mentioned, while the air in the spaces below said ribs would still be held or confined therein,'so long as the rolling movement of the boat were not sufficient in extent to carry said ribs above the surface of thewater. In other words, by the employment of said ribs 9 4", the action of the shoulders 94 and air spaces thereby formedwill serve to lessen to a material degree the lateral area of the surface of the hull in frictional contact with the water, notwithstanding a considerable rolling motion of the boat such as would permit the escape of the air from theupper parts of such spaces.

In Figs. 22 to 24 is shown a construction embracing downwardly facing surfaces acting in connection with apropeller or propellers, in the same manner as hereinbefore described. In this instance, two propellers are located at the rear of the stern of the boat. Two metal'plates95, 95, are rigidly attached to and extend rearwardly from the rear wall of the hull, said plates 'having a cross-sectional form corresponding with that ofthe bottom -of the hull in advanceof the same. The plates 95, 95 are arranged to constitute the bottom walls of sheet metal casings 96, 9G, which surround the propellers and form two propeller chambers 97, 97. Said plates 95, 95 are provided with transversely extending openings through which the propeller blades extend and act to hold the water from rising at the sides of and behind the propeller, asl hereinbefore de'- scribed.

As shown in the drawings, Fig.. 19, the I propeller shaft 34 passes through the transverse partition `82 (corresponding with the partition 75 of Fig. 3), constituting the forward-wall. of the propeller chamber, and

a suitable bearing is provided on said partition for the shaft. It will be understood that in the operation of a hydroplane boa-t provided with hydrorac plane surfaces, the water line of the hull constantly confined under vthe hydroplane surfaces at. the rear and middle portions of the hull, which hydroplane surfaces carry the principalfpartof the weight of the craft and are vconstantly immersed, but thev` air pressure cannot be maintained regularly under the hydroplane surfaces adjacent t0 the bow of the boat. In order to'meet these conditions in the operation of the boat, the forward hydroplane surfaces to which air is delivered are located at a considerable distance rearwardly from the bow of the boat, and the air is discharged near the keel line, o'r part of the bottom which is less liable to rise above the surface of the water when highl waves are encountered. In other words, air will be introduced only under `the hydroplane `members which will be usually or ordinarily immersed, or 1n contact with the surface of the water, so thatl there will be little or nofree escape of air from the openings through which the air is dischargedlbeneath the hydroplane surfaces. lt is not essential, however, that each forward hydroplane surface beneath which air isthus introduced should be constantly immersed because the occasional lifting of such hydroplane member above the surface of thewater, and consequent escape of a quantity-of air, will have no1 material effect so far as is concerned the action of the air which is constantly supplied under pressure beneath the other hydroplane surfaces at the middle and rear portion of the hull. `It is to be further noted, in the case of boats of considerable length, such, for example, as torpedo boats or destroyers, that the actual degree of lifting of the stern portion of the boat, by reason of the action of the hydroplane .sur-faces, may be very slight, but the introduction of air under 'pressure beneath said surfaces, as hereinbefore described, will in such cases afford greatlydecreased resistance to the forward movement of the boat, by reason of decrease of area subject to water friction, even though the submerged area of the hull be not greatly decreased by the lifting effect of the hydroplane surfaces.

In the case of largerboats which are not' h-fted to a ymaterial extent by the laction of' the hydroplane surfaces, a considerable portion of the side walls of the hull will be always immersed, and in order to lessen the water friction atthe immersed portions of the sides of the hull, I provide between thel water line vand the bilge line, laterally facing planes having shallow steps, such as are illustrated in Figs, 19, 20 and 21; such shallow steps, as hereinbefore described, affording a slight angle of the hydroplane surfaces on the sides of theboat, so that while the area of the sides of the hull in frictional contact with the water will be decreased in the rapid forward movement of the boat,

suiicient to afford any material resistance to such forward movement.

The .pipejor passage supplying air beneath the hydroplanesurfaces will usuallybe provided with outwardly opening checkf valves, shown in the drawings in the form of the check valves 32, at the outlet from the crank c ase 301. When such check valves are made in the form shown in the drawings, or otherwise, such valves will* prevent the water entering the boat when the air forcing devices are not in operation. `Ardf ditional manually 'operable valves may be provided in such pipe or passage, for safety, if desired. Y -With respect to the employment of a downwardly opening well or propeller chamber, in connection with downwardly facingsurfaces-at the rear and sides'. of the the angle of the inclined surfaces not be propeller, arranged to prevent the water from escaping too rapidly under the impact or action of the propeller blades, I have,'in the villustration of the accompanying drawings, -so constructed' each of these surfaces that it forms one of the -hydroplane surfaces of the boat. This construction has the adavantage that the water pressure caused by the action of the propeller blades in tending to throw thewater rearwardly and upwardly, to some extent aids in lifting the boat, but so far as is concerned the -action of 'said downwardly facing surfaces in keeping the water from rising at the rear of the propeller, and insuring that the propeller blades shall always act in a solid body of water, it is not necessary that thesaid surfaces should be so inclined or should constitute hydroplane surfaces. The location of the propeller in a well or propeller chamber, located forward of the stern of th'e `boat, has the important advantage when a single propeller is used, that the lateralrpull of the propeller is to ay large extent counteracted by the side pressureon the water of the immersed portion of the hull at the rear'of the-propeller, especially when such reary portion of the hull is of V-shape in cross-section, or provided with a downwardly projecting, longitudinal `part or keel, thereby making it unnecessary to employ the rudder as a means for prevent- A propeller chamber or Well arranged in' the hull 'of the boat, as inv the construction ing the stern of the boat from swinging. latshown in Fig. l9,the propeller canbe placed at such distance forward ofthe stern of the boatthat the lateral pressure on the water of the rear part of the hull whether made of n V-shape or notwill counteract all-of the' side pull of the propellertending the'coursel of the vessel; it beiiigunderstood that, where a. single propeller is located-at side pull of the 'propeller must necessarily be counter-acted by the rudder and the holding `of the rudder' at an angle to the center line of the boat for that purpose will result in increased resistance and waste of power.

The location of the propeller in the hull of' the boat forward of its stern also has the advantage that the hydroplane surfaces. of the hull may be used to lconfine the water from rising behind or around the propeller blades, without the necessity of attaching to the stern of the boat special parts for this purpose, as in the construction shown in Fi gs. 22 to 24. It is to be understood, however, that the employment of a hydroplane surface or surfaces at the rear of the propeller affords important advantages in either' form of construction referred to, for the reason that, as the water acted upon by the propeller is driven backward, and as the speed of the boat is greater with relation to the water so driven backward than with relation to the surrounding water, the lifting power of thehydroplane surfaces at the rear of the propeller will be increased by the backward moving water acting on suchhydroplane surface as well as bythe upward pressure of such backwardly moving water which is put in motion in an upward as well as a rearward direction by the action of the propeller.

The general advantages gained by employment of a propeller, the. hub of which is above the level of the water in which the propeller blades operate, are that the draft ofthe boat as awhole is decreased and a lessened resistance obtains, because of the shaft and hub being-out of water. location of the hub of the propeller above the level of the waterrin which.. the blades operate, has' the further important advantage of enabling reversible blades to be used without materially affecting the efliciency of the propeller in producing either forward or backward movement of the boat.-

This will be understood from consideration of the fact that when submerged reversible Propellers are employed, if the propeller blades be so designed as to give maximum e'ect in one position, they will be much less efficient in other positions, while the parts of the blades adjacent to the'hnb afford a` large degree of resistance to the rotation of the propeller, without exerting any material backward pressure orv thrust on the water. For these reasons such submerged reversible Propellers have been found to have small efficiency and have not been used where hio'h speeds are desired. It is to be further o 'served that employment of downwardly opening propeller chambers or wells, arranged as shown, makes it possible to locate the propellers in the most desirable position,

that is to say, where the blades will not be The thrown out of water in rough water, while at the same time any desired number of pro-v pellers may be used on a single boat and the motors or engines may be located close to each propeller and connected therewith by shafts of short length.

It is to be understood that. the 'drawings vhydroplane surface, and forming with said hydroplane surface a transversely entending an' space or channel, and also provided on tliensubmerged parts of the sides of its hull with longitudinally continuous surfaces adapted to prevent the escape of air from the said air spaces or channels and airforcing means acting to deliver air under pressure to said air spaces or channels and adapted to therein maintain bodles of air under a pressure not less than the pressure exerted by the water against 'said bodies of air.

- 2. A hydroplane boat provided at opposite sides of its center or keel line with a plurality of hydroplane surfaces which are inclined from the side walls of the hull downwardly and inwardly toward said center or keel line and with transverse shoulders severally 'located in advance of said hydroplane surfaces, and forming with said hydroplane surfaces transversely extending air spaces or channels, andalso provided on the sides of its hull with longitudinally continuous surfaces extending across the outer ends of said air spaces or channels.

3. A hydroplane boat provided at each side of its center or keel line with a plurality of hydroplane surfaces which are in-.

clined from the sides of the hull downwardly toward the center or keel line thereof, and with transversely extending shoulders severally located forward of the hydroplane surfaces and forming therewith transversely extending air spaces or channels and also provided on the submerged parts. of the sides of its hull with longitudinally continuous surfaces extending across the outer ends, of said channels, a longitudinal air duct adapted to deliver air to. said air spaces or channels, and air forclng means acting to deliver alr under pressure to said air duct.

4. A hydroplane boat provided at each side of its center or keel line with a pluraility 'of hydroplane surfaces which are inclined from the sidesk ofthe hull vdown- Wa-rdly toward'the center or keel line thereof, and" with a plurality of shoulders rsevi erally located in advance of said hydroplane surfaces and forming therewith transversely extending air vspaces or channels, and also provided on the submerged parts of the sidesfof its hull with longitudinally continuous surfaces extending across the outer .ends 0fsaid air spaces or channels, and an air duct extending along said center or keel 'line and adapted to deliver airA to the inner ends of said airspaces or channels, and air forcing means acting to deliver airunder pressure to said air duct. l

5. A hydroplane boat provided at 4each side of its center or keel. line witha plurality of hydroplane surfaces, and with a pluralityA of transverse, rearwardly facing shoulders, severally located advance of said hydroplane surfaces, and forming with the latter'transversely extending air spaces or channels,an vair duct exterior to 'the bottom of the hull, extending longitudinally thereof along the center line of the same and adapted to deliver air to the inner `ends of said air spaces or channels, and .air forcing means adapted 'to deliver air under pressure to said air duct.

6. A hydroplane boat provided''jat each side of its center o r keel line 'with a plurality of hydroplane surfaces, and with a plurality of transverse, rearwardly facing shoulders, severally located in advance of said hydroplane surfaces, and forming with the latter transversely `extending air spaces or channels, and "also rovidedon the submerged parts of the s1de walls of the hulle with longitudinally continuous surfaces extending across the outer ends ofI said air spaces or channels, an air duct exteriorto the bottom of the hull, extendingv longitudinally thereof along the center' line of the same and adapted to' deliver air to the inner' ends of said .air spaces or channels,

and air forcing lmeans'adapted to deliverair under .pressure to said air duct 7. A hydroplane boat provided at each side of its center or keel line with aplurality of hydroplane surfaces which are.' inclined laterally from the sides of the hull downwardly toward thecenter or keel line thereof, and with a plurality of transverse, rearwardly facing shoulders, severally located in advance of said hydroplane surfaces, and forming with` the latter trans-V` versely extending air spaces or channels, an air duct exterior to the bottom of the hull, extending longitudinally thereof along the center line of the same and adaptedto deliver air to the inner ends of said air spaces or channels, and air forcing means adapted to deliver air under` pressure to said air duct. a

vof the side Wallsv of the hull with longitudinally continuous surfaces extending acrossthe outer ends ofsaid ai;` spaces or channels, an air duct exterior to the bottom of the hull, extending longitudinally thereof along the center line ofthe same and adapted to deliver air to the inner ends of said air spaces or channels, and air forcing means adapted to deliver' air under pressure to said 1air duct.

9. A hydroplane boat provided` at each sideD of its keel line with a plurality of hydroplane surfaces, and with a plurality of transversely extending, rearwardly facing shoulders llocated severally in advance of said hydroplane surfaces and forming therewith a plurality of transverselyextending air spaces or channels, an air duct exterior to thebottom of the hull extending longitudinally thereof along the centerline of the same and open at its rear end through the stern of the boat, Aand air forcing means acting to deliver air under pressure to-the n' forwardend of said airduct.

' 10. A hydroplane boat providedat each side of its keel line with a plurality of hydroplane surfaces which are inclined laterpressure to the forward .end of said air duct.'

11. .A hydroplane boat provided at the opposite sides of its center or keel line with hydroplane 'surfaces which are inclined laterally from the sides of the hull downwardly and inwardly toward its center or keel `lineand with a plurality of transversely extending, rearwardly facing. shoulders severally located in advance of said hydroplane surfaces andforming therewith transversely extending air spaces or channels, said boat having at the lower marginsof'the sides of its hull continuous, longitudinal bilge members,l the lower margins of which alyfrom the sides of the hull downwardly A extend acrossthe outer ends of said air spaces or channels.

12. A hydroplane boat provided at the opposite sides of its center or keel line with hydroplane surfaces which are inclined laterally from the sides of the hull downwardly and inwardly toward its center or keel line and with a plurality of transversely extending, rearwardly facing shoulders severally located inadvance of said hydroplane surfacesand forming therewith transversely extending air spaces or channels, said boat having at the lower margins of the sides of its hull continuous, longitudinal bilge members, the lower margins of which extend across the outer ends of said air spaces or channels, and air forcing means acting to deliver air -under pressure to said vair spaces or channels.

13. A boat, comprising a hull provided on each side thereof below the water level with I. a" continuous and unbroken, longitudinal faces and forming therewith transverse air spaces or channels, and also provided on the sides of its hull with longitudinally continuous surfaces extending across the outer ends of said air spaces or channels, and above said longitudinally continuous surfaces and below the water line with a plurality of rearwardlyfacing shoulders and rearwardly and outwardly inclined surfaces sleverally located at the rear of said shoulers.

15. A hydroplane boat provided on the sides of its hull with a plurality of-rear wardly facing shoulders and rearwardly and outwardly inclined surfaces at the rear of said shoulders', and also with outwardly projecting, longitudinally extending ribs extending across the channels formed by said shoulders and inclined surfaces.

-.16. A hydroplane'boat provided at each side of its center or keel line with a hydroplane vsurface and with a transverse, rearwardly facing shoulderlocatedat adistance in advance of the forward transverse margin of said hydroplane surface, the said transverse shoulderand hydroplane surface together with the downwardly facing surface of the hull between the same constituting a transversely extending air space or channel. In testimony, that I, claim the foregoing as my invention I affix my signature in. the presence of two witnesses, this ,18th day of November, A. D. 1912.

WILLIAM H. FAUBER. Witnesses:

EUG/ENE C. WANN, M. F. ANTHONY. 

